An Important Risk Factor for Nursing Students: Sharp Instrument Injuries

Abstract

Objective: Sharp instrument injuries constitute a significant occupational risk for nursing students, exposing them to blood-borne pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, causes, and outcomes of sharp instrument injuries among fourth-year nursing students during their clinical training. Materials and Methods: This prospective and descriptive study was conducted with 190 fourth-year nursing students at a university in Türkiye during the 2022–2023 academic year. Students were divided into two groups, each completing a 14-week clinical placement in either the fall or spring semester. Data were collected using a structured case reporting form and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Results: Sharp instrument injuries occurred in 14.7% of students. The most frequent procedures leading to injury were subcutaneous injections (32.1%) and recapping needles (50.0%). Injuries were most common in internal medicine departments (39.3%) and peaked between days 21 and 40 of clinical practice (42.9%). Primary contributing factors included carelessness (64.3%), insufficient supplies (50.0%), and lack of experience (32.1%). Emotional responses to injury included anxiety (64.3%) and fear (50.0%). All affected students received follow-up care, with no seroconversion for HIV, HBV, or HCV reported. Conclusions: Sharp instrument injuries pose a notable occupational risk for nursing students, primarily due to inexperience, inadequate equipment, and unsafe practices. While simulation training may lower injury rates, increased confidence and speed during clinical placements can heighten risk. Strengthening curricula on safe practices, ensuring supervision, and offering emotional support are key to reducing injuries and enhancing clinical learning.

Keywords

• Nursing education
• nursing students
• occupational exposure
• sharps injuries
• workplace safety

Hemşirelik Öğrencileri İçin Önemli Bir Risk Faktörü: Kesici-Delici Alet Yaralanmaları

Abstract

Amaç: Kesici-delici alet yaralanmaları, hemşirelik öğrencileri için önemli bir mesleki risk oluşturarak onları kan yoluyla bulaşan patojenlere maruz bırakmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, dördüncü sınıf hemşirelik öğrencilerinin klinik uygulamaları sırasında yaşadıkları kesici-delici alet yaralanmaları sıklığını, nedenlerini ve sonuçlarını araştırmaktır. Materyal ve Metot: Bu prospektif ve tanımlayıcı çalışma, 2022-2023 akademik yılında Türkiye'deki bir üniversitede 190 dördüncü sınıf hemşirelik öğrencisi ile yürütülmüştür. Öğrenciler, her biri güz ya da bahar döneminde 14 haftalık bir klinik stajı tamamlayan iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Veriler yapılandırılmış bir vaka raporlama formu kullanılarak toplanmış ve tanımlayıcı istatistiklerle analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Öğrencilerin %14,7’si kesici-delici alet yaralanmaları yaşamıştır. Yaralanmaya en sık neden olan işlemler subkutan enjeksiyonlar (%32,1) ve iğne kapatma işlemleri (%50,0) olmuştur. Yaralanmalar en fazla dâhiliye servislerinde (%39,3) görülmüş ve klinik uygulamanın 21–40. günleri arasında en yüksek seviyeye ulaşmıştır (%42,9). Başlıca nedenler dikkatsizlik (%64,3), yetersiz malzeme (%50,0) ve deneyimsizlik (%32,1) olarak belirlenmiştir. Yaralanmalara verilen duygusal tepkiler arasında kaygı (%64,3) ve korku (%50,0) öne çıkmıştır. Yaralanan tüm öğrencilere takip bakımı sağlanmış olup, HIV, HBV veya HCV serokonversiyonu gözlenmemiştir. Sonuç: Bulgular, hemşirelik öğrencilerinde görülen kesici-delici alet yaralanmalarının büyük ölçüde deneyimsizlik, yetersiz ekipman ve güvensiz uygulamalarla ilişkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Simülasyon temelli eğitim yaralanma oranlarını azaltabilirken, klinik uygulama sırasında artan güven ve işlem hızının riski artırabileceği belirtilmiştir. Klinik uygulamalarda güvenliğe odaklanan müfredatların geliştirilmesi, sıkı gözetim sağlanması ve duygusal destek sunulması hem yaralanma oranlarını azaltmak hem de öğrencilerin klinik öğrenme deneyimlerini ve mesleki gelişimlerini iyileştirmek açısından temel stratejiler olarak önerilmektedir.

Keywords

• Hemşirelik eğitimi
• hemşirelik öğrencileri
• iş yeri güvenliği
• kesici-delici alet yaralanmaları
• mesleki maruziyet

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